THE JOB
Thanks to Hollywood and science fiction literature, we have been introduced to many mythical robots. However the real robots, important players in California's economy, remain relatively unknown, working quietly and efficiently behind the scenes.
Robots, introduced to the world in 1921 by Czechoslovakian playwright Karel Capek in his play R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots), were docile mechanical workers who toiled tirelessly. Capek took the name "robot" from the Czech word robota, which means worker.
The robot's roots reach far back into history. Mechanical figures over 2,500 years old have been found in Egyptian ruins. In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, automatons -- mechanical devices built in the shapes of animals and people and capable of moving on their own -- began to appear. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, machines became more and more advanced. In the mid-1950's, George Devol developed Unimate, an industrial robot that began work on an automobile assembly line. This pioneer robot ran for 100,000 hours and is now on display in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.
Most robots are in industrial manufacturing. A robot has to be reprogrammable so that instructions can be changed, and it must be multifunctional -- capable of doing different tasks. Robots move materials from one place to another, they paint, weld, and shape raw materials into specific parts and assemble the parts into completed products.
ROBOTICS TECHNICIANS install, service, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair robots and automated production systems. They must understand computers, electrical and electronic systems, sensor and feedback principles, and how robots work as machines. Their duties vary depending upon whom they work for and the type of robots on which they work. Technicians employed by manufacturers work closely with designers, engineers, and technologists. They might be involved in the developing, testing, programming, and actual on-site installation of new robots. Some technicians work as robotics trainers and train others to install, use, and maintain robots. Robotics Technicians have another important role -- they are the people who help keep the robots "working". Employed by robot manufacturers, suppliers, distributors or by the companies that use and depend on robots, they maintain and troubleshoot all aspects of robots and automated systems -- mechanical as well as electrical.
In the auto industry, skilled trade workers such as electricians, millwrights, pipe fitters, machinists, and machine repair workers maintain robots. Called general maintenance technicians, these skilled Robot Technicians take care of all the electro-mechanical equipment. Thoroughly cross-trained and skilled in multiple trades, they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of a wide variety of robots and equipment. They analyze equipment problems and troubleshoot electrical components and systems, as well as service and repair both hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They also do welding and machining.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Technicians involved with testing and designing robots work mainly in well-equipped laboratories. Those involved in actual manufacturing operations or in repairing and maintaining robots may work in production locations varying from "hard hat" areas that are noisy, hot, and dirty to the sterile "clean room" environment in which the temperature, humidity and dust content of the air are carefully controlled. Since some robots are designed to perform jobs considered to be dangerous, technicians working on these robots must follow all prescribed safety measures.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. It projects trends for the broad group commercial electronics repairers, which includes Robotics Technicians.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 7,700 Estimated number of workers in 2005 8,070 Projected Growth 1990-2005 5% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,980
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
In spite of the promise of the technology, growth in the robotics industry is well below that of all occupations in California. U.S. manufacturing industries must convert to robotics and automated systems to remain competitive. The electronics industry, faced with increasing competition in the 80s, turned to automation and flexible assembly as a solution, and today it is becoming one of the biggest users of robotics equipment.
Technological advances are continually improving robotics. Ongoing research in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine vision is making robots "smarter" and helping them "see" better. As the technology improves and more applications develop, new markets for robotics will open up. This growth will result in an increased demand for Electronics Technicians and Maintenance Technicians who can build and maintain the equipment. Those with computer and electronic skills will have the best opportunities.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries for entry-level positions for Electronics Technicians with an AS degree start anywhere from $6.00 to $17.50 an hour. Experienced Electronics Technicians who work on robotics and automated systems can expect to earn from $10.00 to $25.00 an hour. Most technicians work full time and may work varied day shifts. Many companies also employ technicians on swing shifts and overtime work may be required.
Most employers offer full fringe benefits including paid sick leave, vacation, retirement and medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. Some employers also have profit sharing plans and tuition reimbursement plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
The field of robotics demands many skills and talents. Those entering the field must have mechanical skills, eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, the spatial ability to understand blueprints and diagrams, the capability to read and understand technical instructions, and analytical ability. High school students interested in entering the robotics field should prepare by taking classes in algebra, geometry, computer science, general science, and physics. Other important classes to take include drafting, electronics, and machine shop.
Employers prefer to hire electronic technicians who have completed a two-year electronics engineering technology program at a community college or trade school. Several California community colleges have these programs, and some include classes in robotics.
ADVANCEMENT
Robotics technicians who demonstrate leadership potential can advance to supervisor or team leader positions. Technicians also may be promoted to trainer positions within their company. Those who work for vendors can move up to technical trainer or sales representative. Many employers provide educational fee reimbursement and encourage their technicians to continue to take college classes and work toward a higher degree.
FINDING THE JOB
Electronics technicians who graduate from community colleges or trade schools may find work through the placement offices or by interviews with employers recruiting on their campuses. Trade journals and magazines list employers and job openings, and membership in a robotics professional society provides valuable networking opportunities. In addition, employers frequently list their openings with the Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Robotics International of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (RI/SME) PO Box 930 Dearborn, MI 48121-0930 (313) 271-1500
Robotics Industries Association PO Box 3724 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 (313) 994-6088
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Industrial Engineers No. 3 Mechanical Engineers No 5 Electrical/Electronics Engineers No. 12 Electrical/Electronics Engineer Technicians No. 60 Electronics Repairers No. 222 Numerical- Control Machine Operators No. 548
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Mechanical Engineer 007.061-014 Field Service Technician 638.261-026 Electronics Mechanic 828.261-022 Electrician, Maintenance 829.261-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Electronics Repairers, Commercial 857170
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand 
More Guides